At its peak in the late 1980s up to the mid 1990s, Garuda operated an extensive network of flights all over the world, with regularly scheduled services to Los Angeles, Paris, Rome and other cities in Europe and Asia.[4] In the late 1990s and early 2000s, a series of financial and operational difficulties hit the airline hard, which included the in-flight murder of a human rights activist by airline staff,[5] causing it to drastically cut back services. In 2009, the airline undertook a five-year modernization plan known as the Quantum Leap, which overhauled the airline's brand, livery, logo and uniforms, as well as newer, more modern aircraft and facilities and a renewed focus on international markets, and earning the airline awards such as Most Improved Airline and World's Best Cabin Crew.[6]

The airline also operated a budget subsidiary Citilink which provided low-cost flights to multiple Indonesian destinations and was spun-off in 2012.[7]

The earliest predecessor to Garuda Indonesia was KNILM, Royal Dutch Indies Airways, founded in 1928 during the Dutch colonial period; despite the similar name, it was not a subsidiary of the main Dutch carrier KLM.[8] KNILM was dissolved in 1947, and its assets were transferred to a new KLM subsidiary, KLM Interinsulair Bedrijf (KLM Interinsular Service), which was nationalized in December 1949.[8]

The name "Garuda" was derived from a Dutch poem written by a renowned Javanese scholar and poet Raden Mas Noto Soeroto; "Ik ben Garuda, Vishnoe's vogel, die zijn vleugels uitslaat hoog boven uw eilanden" which means "I'm Garuda, Vishnu's Bird, that spreads its wings high above the Islands". In Hindu mythology, Garuda is the name of Lord Vishnu's mount (vahana). The line was mentioned by Sukarno during the Dutch-Indonesian Round Table Conference at The Hague, from 23 August to 2 November 1949.

In its current institutional form, Garuda Indonesia had its beginnings in the Indonesian war of independence against the Dutch in the late 1940s, when Garuda flew special transports with a Douglas DC-3.[9] 26 January 1949 is generally recognized as the airline's founding date, at which time the airline was known as "Garuda Indonesian Airways." The first aircraft was a DC-3 known as Seulawah (Acehnese: "Gold Mountain", or from Arabic Shalawah, means praise/worship) and was purchased for a sum of 120,000 Malayan dollars, which was provided by the people of Aceh (notably local merchants).[10]

A second DC-3 entered service in 1949, which flew its first flight on December 28, carrying President Sukarno on a flight from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, the first flight made under the Garuda Indonesian Airways name.[11] Throughout the revolution, Garuda supported national interests, and often carried diplomats on its flights. The Burmese government helped the airline significantly during its beginnings. The country's national airline, Union of Burma Airways, often chartered one of the airline's DC-3s for its own flights. Accordingly, upon Garuda's formal joint incorporation with KLM on 31 March 1950, the airline presented the Burmese government with a DC-3 as a gift.

By the early and mid 1950s, the airline operated a fleet of 38 aircraft, which included 22 DC-3s, 8 Catalina seaplanes, and 8 Convair 240s, and in 1956, the airine operated its first flight to Mecca with Convair aircraft, carrying 40 Indonesian pilgrims.[9]

The airline's fleet continued to grow throughout the 1960s, during which time the airline continued its expansion. It acquired three Lockheed L-188 Electras in 1961, which supplemented its Convair CV-240 fleet, before taking delivery of its first jet aircraft, the Convair 990 Coronado, in 1963, which allowed it to launch flights to Hong Kong.

During the early 1970s, Garuda Indonesia took delivery of both the McDonnell Douglas DC-9 and Fokker F28 Fellowship for its short and medium-haul operations. The airline went on to take delivery of 62 F28s, holding the title for the largest operator of the F28 in the world. In 1973, the airline took delivery of its first Douglas DC-10, giving it the capability to carry more passengers and fly longer flights, and it replaced the DC-8 and Convair 990 fleet on flights within Asia and to Europe. The DC-10 would become an integral part of the Garuda fleet for the years to come, outlasting the newer McDonell Douglas MD-11s, before the type was finally retired in 2002. Afterwards, in 1980, the airline took delivery of the first Boeing 747-200, complementing the DC-10 on high-capacity or long-range routes.

On 21 June 1982, Garuda became the launch customer of the Airbus A300B4-220FFCC, which was the first variant of the A300 capable of being operated with two pilots instead of three. By 1984, nine of these were in service, supplemented by 8 Douglas DC-10s, 24 Douglas DC-9s, 45 Fokker F-28s, and 6 Boeing 747-200s. In 1985 under Reyn Altin Johannes Lumenta, who had been CEO since 1984, Garuda made the controversial decision to hire foreign brand consultants Landor Associates to create a new logo, livery and brand for the airline, a project that was regarded as expensive and unnecessary at the time. However, this move was later on applauded as vital for the reputation and corporate identity of Garuda Indonesia as the national airline.

Under Lumenta, Garuda also increased the number of flight frequencies and destinations, reduced ticket prices and collaborated with Merpati, introducing flexible tickets valid for both Indonesian airlines.[12][13]

In 1990, the airline took delivery of the McDonnell-Douglas MD-11s,[9] which gradually replaced the DC-10 on flights to Europe, and also allowed the airline to launch flights to Los Angeles via Honolulu.[4] During this time, the airline operated a fleet of the aforementioned MD-11s, DC-10s, 747, Airbus A300 and Boeing 737-400, operating it to destinations throughout Asia, Europe and North America. In 1994, the airline took delivery of its first Boeing 747-400 aircraft, which would go on to become a mainstay of its fleet until 2015, operating hajj flights and high density short-haul routes, while the delivery of the first Airbus A330-300 in 1996 allowed more flexibility for the airline, as it was more fuel-efficient than the three and four engined jets. That same year, the airline placed an order for six Boeing 777 aircraft,[14] due for delivery in 2000, however, a new series of challenges and difficulties was about to hit the airline.

The late 1990s and early 2000s would prove to be a turbulent and difficult time for the airline; two separate accidents in 1996 and 1997 added to the problems being caused by the 1997 Asian financial crisis, resulting in a drastic reduction in operations, including the termination of service to the Americas and a massive scaling back of its European operations. Largely due to historical links with the Netherlands, Garuda continued to operate flights to Amsterdam, Frankfurt and London after the initial cutbacks, although these flights were also discontinued on 28 October 2004. The situation was exacerbated by the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks in the U.S., the Bali bombings, the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, and the SARS scare, all of which contributed to a downturn in air travel and Indonesian tourism. As a result, its earlier order for the Boeing 777 was deferred, and so was an order for 18 Boeing 737-800s to replace its ageing 737 Classic fleet.[14]

On 7 September 2004, the situation was worsened when human rights activist Munir Said Thalib, travelling to Amsterdam via Singapore on Garuda Indonesia Flight 974, was assassinated by off-duty pilot Pollycarpus Priyanto, who slipped arsenic into his drink some time before the departure of the flight's second leg to Amsterdam. He was reported to have felt unwell several hours after departure from Singapore, during which time he was checked on by a doctor who happened to be on board, and moved to the business class cabin to sleep. He died approximately two hours before arrival into Amsterdam, sparking an international controversy, during which time Priyanto, along with CEO Indra Setiawan and deputy Rohainil Aini, were all convicted of his murder, although it has been alleged it was under orders from state intelligence agency BIN.[15][16][17] The airline was found negligent in failing to perform an emergency landing and was ordered to pay compensation to Munir's widow,[18] but failed to do so[19] However, by 2005, the airline had largely recovered from its economic problems, swapping its order for six Boeing 777-200ERs for 10 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners in 2005,[14] but its operational problems would remain.[20]

In June 2007, the EU banned Garuda Indonesia, along with all other Indonesian airlines, from flying into any European countries,[21][22] following the crash of a Boeing 737-400 earlier that year. With the support of the international aviation industry for all Indonesian airlines, the EU promised to review its ban and sent a team of experts, led by the European Commission's Air Safety Administrator Federico Grandini to Indonesia to consider lifting the ban.[23] In August 2007, the transportation minister of Indonesia announced that the EU would lift its ban hopefully sometime in October, stating that the ban was attributed to communication breakdown between the two parties and that discussions were in progress.

In November 2007, Garuda announced its intention to fly to Amsterdam from Jakarta and Denpasar with either Airbus A330 or Boeing 777 aircraft if the EU lifted its ban,[24] however, on 28 November 2007, the EU stated that the safety reforms already undertaken were a step in the right direction for the EU to consider lifting the ban, but still did not satisfy the EU's aviation safety standards, and thus, did not lift its ban.[25] The ban was lifted in July 2009.[26] Following the lift of the EU ban, Garuda began evaluating service to Amsterdam and other European destinations, as well as the United States.[27]

In July 2007, the Deputy of Marketing, Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Indonesia announced that Garuda Indonesia had plans to start service to India, although the date had not been determined.[28] Garuda has yet to announce service to India as of June 2015.

Comparison between Garuda's current and previous livery. Aircraft on right is in the current livery; the other two are in the airline's previous livery. (2010)

Following the lift of the EU ban against Garuda Indonesia and three other Indonesian carriers, the airline announced in July 2009 an aggressive five-year expansion plan known as the Quantum Leap.[29][30] The plan involved an image overhaul, including changing the airline's livery, staff uniform and logo, and nearly doubling the size of its fleet from 62 to 116.[29] The Quantum Leap also plans to boost passenger annual numbers to 27.6 million in the same period, up from 10.1 million at the time of program launch through increasing domestic and international destinations from 41 to 62.[29] Route expansions included Amsterdam, with a stopover in Dubai, in 2010. As of 2014, Garuda flies to Amsterdam non-stop five times a week using a Boeing 777-300ER with continuing service to London, with the sixth weekly service to be added by the end of 2015. Other European and American cities such as Frankfurt, Paris, Rome, Madrid and Los Angeles are being considered for reopening.[31][32][33][34][35]

As part of the Quantum Leap, the airline refreshed its logo and redesigned its iconic livery in 2009, more than 20 years after the last update[36] New uniforms were introduced in 2010.[37] In 2010, the airline placed a firm order for six additional Airbus A330s at the 2010 Farnborough Airshow,[38] while it opened a new hub at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport, Makassar, South Sulawesi to increase services to the eastern part of Indonesia on 1 June 2011, its third after Jakarta and Denpasar[39]

During this time period, the airline also added additional frequencies to many of its international routes, including to Singapore, Bangkok, Beijing and Shanghai from Jakarta, while it also added capacity to Denpasar-Seoul. It also re-opened routes, including Jakarta-Taipei in 2012.

At the Paris Air Show 2011, Garuda Indonesia announced a firm order of 25 Airbus A320s with an option for another 25.[40] All 25 Airbus A320s are to be used by their subsidiary, Citilink[41] The airline's earlier order for the Boeing 787, made in 2005, was changed once more, due to the delays in the 787's entry into service, and Garuda opted to sign for 10 Boeing 777-300ERs instead, which it would take delivery of in 2013 to use on long-haul flights to Europe, and medium-haul flights within Asia, such as to Japan, China and Korea, as well as short-haul domestic routes between Jakarta and Denpasar.

The airline made its debut on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in February 2011,[42] with the government of Indonesian retaining a majority of the shares. PT Trans Airways bought 10.9 percent stake of Garuda Indonesia unsold IPO shares from underwriters in 27 April 2012. The transaction was valued at Rp 1.53 trillion ($166.8 million).[43]

In 2014, the airline became one of eight airlines to earn the prestigious 5 star rating from Skytrax, marking the end of the 5 year Quantum Leap program.[44] Following this announcement, Emirsyah Satar, who had been CEO for the past nine years, announced his resignation and retirement, and promoted budget spin-off Citilink subsidiary Arif Wibowo as CEO.

Following Wibowo's promotion, he began a "Quick Wins" cost-cutting drive to cut down on losses while boosting revenue through various measures, including cancelling unprofitable routes and increasing staff efficiency.[45] Despite this, Wibowo remains committed to continue the airline's international expansion, especially once market conditions, such as the weakening rupiah, improve. This was reaffirmed following the airline's announcement of its intent to order 90 new aircraft, from both Boeing and Airbus, worth $20 billion at list prices at the 2015 Paris Air Show.[46]

Since its establishment, Garuda Indonesia has changed its branding and livery a few times. During the early years, Garuda color scheme was simple logotype "Indonesia Airways" with blue lines and Indonesian flag. In the 1960s, Garuda introduced a red and white color scheme in accordance to the Indonesian national identity and the Indonesian flag. Also in this period "Garuda Indonesian Airways" introduced a bird logo: a triangle stylized eagle-like Garuda with red and white shield. The logo was painted on the vertical stabilizer of Garuda's fleet from 1961 to 1969. In the 1970s, a logotype with a unique font replaced the triangular eagle as Garuda's corporate identity, along with a new color scheme consisting of a red and orange "hockey stick" line running along the aircraft's windows and vertical stabilizer. This livery used from 1969 to 1985.

In 1985, Garuda underwent a complete branding makeover, changing its name into "Garuda Indonesia" along with its color scheme, logo and logotype. The new branding and livery was created by Landor Associates who also created the new iconic bird logo: the Garuda symbol with five bent lines forming its wings.[48] The color scheme was changed completely to a deep royal blue and aqua color, said to be inspired by the nature of Indonesia that was dominated by tropical greenery and seas when viewed from the air. The nationalistic red and white color scheme was no longer used.

In 2009, a new branding initiative was launched through a new image, developed once again by brand consultant Landor Associates, a new spin of the idea called "nature's wing".[48] Garuda has since replaced the old logo painted on its fleet vertical stabilizer with this new "nature's wing" graphic of blue and aqua shades. The "nature's wing" graphic was inspired by the wings of tropical birds as well as the ripples of waves upon the water. The iconic bird symbol designed by Landor 24 years earlier is still maintained as Garuda Indonesia's logo, with minor changes, while the logotype now uses the Myriad Pro font. The new look is expected to be able to "Capture the Spirit of Friendliness and Professionalism of Indonesia".

To celebrate its 62 years of service on 26 January 2011, Garuda Indonesia painted 2 of its Boeing 737-800 aircraft with the retro liveries the airline used in the 1960s and 1970s.

For the company slogan, there are several slogans that were used in the past:

Garuda Indonesia had announced that its subsidiary, GMF AeroAsia would be listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2008. However, due to financial crisis in 2008, GMF delayed IPO until 2009. The Ministry of State-Owned Companies (Kementrian BUMN) also had announced a plan to privatize Garuda, that opened a possibility to offer its shares publicly. Garuda Indonesia aimed to list on 11 February 2011, for an Initial Public Offering.[55] Government of Indonesia has confirmed the IPO price of Garuda Indonesia at Rp.750 per share and also cut offering size to 6.3 billion shares only from 9.362 billion planned before.[56]

On 13 October 2009, Garuda Indonesia announced they would resume flights to Europe for the first time after removal from the E.U. blacklist. The flight, numbered flight GA88, commenced operations on 1 June 2010, flew from Jakarta to Amsterdam, with a refueling stop in Dubai, operated by an Airbus A330-200.[60][61] On 2 December 2012, after announcing a codeshare deal with Etihad Airways, the airline changed the refueling stop to Abu Dhabi.[62] After joining Skyteam alliance, Garuda launched non-stop service from Jakarta to Amsterdam starting on 30 May 2014 in order to better utilize the benefits of wide network which Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has. As a result, the airline ended flights to Abu Dhabi, leaving Etihad as the sole operator between Jakarta and Abu Dhabi.[63]

The airline also has plans to open routes to Manila, and Mumbai although exact opening dates have yet to be determined.[66]

In 2011, Garuda flew 17.1 million passengers up 39% from last year, while the total revenue jumped 38% to Rp27.1 trillion ($2.95 billion). Composition of passengers on domestic routes and international routes was 81% versus 19% respectively.[67]

Garuda and Gallant Venture are developing a new hub for domestic and international flights to Europe and the Far East on a 177-hectare area on Bintan Island that includes a new airport, runway and maintenance facility. It will relieve the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport which is at full capacity.[68]

Codesharing has allowed Garuda Indonesia to expand services into Western Europe and the Middle East. In 2009 Garuda Indonesia expressed an interest in joining the SkyTeamairline alliance, which would make it the second airline in Southeast Asia to join after Vietnam Airlines. Membership would open SkyTeam's network to Indonesian, Australian, and New Zealand markets. In December 2009, three SkyTeam members – Korean Air, KLM, and Delta Air Lines – committed to supporting Garuda Indonesia to join SkyTeam. This made Garuda Indonesia eligible to apply for membership in the alliance. On 23 November 2010, Garuda Indonesia signed an agreement to join SkyTeam. The airline became the 20th member of the alliance on 5 March 2014.[69]

Garuda Indonesia offers flights to 28 other international destinations through codeshare agreements with (as of April 2015) (beside SkyTeam members):

On 19 June 2007, Garuda Indonesia and Hainan Airlines began codesharing in a bid to strengthen both airlines' marketing positions in Indonesia and People's Republic of China.[73] In this agreement, Garuda Indonesia will be the operating partner on the Jakarta-Beijing (vv) service, flying five times a week using a new A330-200.

An interline agreement between Garuda Indonesia and Australian airline Virgin Blue (now Virgin Australia) was confirmed in November 2007. This facilitates travel for passengers connecting from a Virgin Australia domestic flight to a Garuda Indonesia international service departing from either Sydney, Melbourne or Perth.[74]

On June 2008, it was announced that Garuda Indonesia would increase services between Australia and Bali. From 25 June, Garuda Indonesia added an extra flight between Darwin and Denpasar, bringing the total number of services to three per week. Additionally, a fourth flight from Melbourne to Denpasar began on 22 July. On 2 September, another extra service departed from Melbourne to bring the total number of flights per week to five, and a sixth flight left from Sydney. This extra capacity was in response to an increase in the number of Australians who traveled to Bali in the first quarter of 2008, marking a resurgence in Balinese tourism, which was hard hit by the 2002 and 2005 Bali bombings.[75]

On August 2008, a codeshare agreement between Singapore Airlines and the airline on route between Singapore and Denpasar was established. Singapore Airlines is the operating carrier.

A partnership agreement with Etihad Airways was announced on 16 October 2012. The partnership includes a codeshare agreement for a total of 36 flights between the two airlines; subject to Government Regulatory Approval. Reciprocal Frequent Flyer programmes were also part of the agreement, allowing passengers to earn miles flying both Garuda Indonesia and Etihad Airways. Garuda Indonesia subsequently shifted its Dubai operations to Abu Dhabi as to compliment the agreement.[62][76]

During the APEC summit on 7 October 2013, a codeshare agreement between Garuda Indonesia and Aeromexico was announced, allowing passengers to travel from Jakarta to Mexico City via Tokyo and vice versa. Under the codeshare agreement, Aeromexico would place its flight numbers on Garuda Indonesia's Jakarta-Tokyo flights while Garuda Indonesia would place its flight numbers on Aeromexico's Tokyo-Mexico City flights.[77]

On 19 November 2013, a codeshare agreement was announced between Garuda Indonesia and Jet Airways of India. Under the codeshare agreement, Jet Airways would place its flight numbers on Garuda Indonesia flights between Jakarta and Singapore while Garuda Indonesia would place its flight numbers on Jet Airways flights between Singapore and Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai. The two airlines also announced a reciprocal Frequent Flyer programme partnership, allowing passengers to earn miles flying both Garuda Indonesia and Jet Airways.[78]

On 19 December 2013, Garuda Indonesia and Japan's All Nippon Airways announced a partnership agreement encompassing codeshare flights as well as reciprocal Frequent Flyer programmes. Under the codeshare agreement, ANA passengers arriving in Jakarta would be able to transfer to 10 destinations in Indonesia on board Garuda Indonesia flights, while Garuda Indonesia passengers arriving in Tokyo or Osaka would be able to transfer to 11 destination in Japan on board ANA flights.[79]

As Indonesia's flag carrier, Garuda Indonesia tries to connect many parts of Indonesia to support the government's "Indonesian Interconnectivity" program. However, there are many remote and smaller airports that cannot be reached by Garuda Indonesia's fleet of Boeing 737-800s. This is caused by the lack of airport infrastructure in smaller cities and remote areas, such as insufficient runway length that mostly less than 1,600 meters.

On 5 March 2014, Garuda Indonesia officially joined the SkyTeam alliance and becomes its 20th member. The inclusion of Garuda Indonesia adds 40 new destinations to SkyTeam’s global network and strengthens the alliance presence in Southeast Asia and Australia.To Commemorate the event,an Airbus A330-243 and a Boeing 737-8GP is painted with the "SkyTeam" Grey livery.[80] With the arrival of Garuda Indonesia to SkyTeam, a variety of facilities are given as including SkyPriority, as well as changing its current frequent flyer membership into GarudaMiles. In addition Garuda was connected with 140 new destinations. Garuda has also teamed up with the world's major airlines, such as KLM, Air France, Delta Air Lines, Aeroflot, China Airlines, Aeroméxico and Saudia.[81]

Bombardier CRJ1000, used in pioneer routes for airports still capable of handling jet airliners.

ATR 72-600, used in pioneer routes for airports unable of handling jet aircraft.

All of Garuda Indonesia's aircraft are maintained by GMF AeroAsia.[82] The Boeing customer code for Garuda Indonesia is U3, which appears in their aircraft designation as a suffix, such as 737-5U3, 737-8U3NG, 747-4U3 and 777-3U3ER.

The airline's longest flight is between Jakarta and Amsterdam using the Boeing 777-300ER. The airline also had plans to start service to London non-stop in 2013, but later shifted to a one-stop service via Amsterdam, using AMS as its hub for "Europe and beyond", utilizing Amsterdam's status as a SkyTeam hub to boost connections with partner flights to other destinations.

Currently, the airline utilizes the Airbus A330-200s on flights to East Asian and Australian flights originating from Jakarta, Airbus A330-300s for Australian and East Asian routes originating from Denpasar/Bali, Boeing 737-800 on most domestic and regional routes, and the Bombardier CRJ1000 NextGen on regional domestic sectors to airports that are unable to handle the larger Boeing 737-800. The last Boeing 737 Classic aircraft was retired in 2015, after being kept around to operate to airports that could not handle the newer Boeing 737-800. They were phased out following the arrival of the Bombardier CRJ1000 NextGen. The ATR 72-600 turboprop entered service at the end of 2013, serving new inter-island routes to airports in the eastern part of Indonesia that cannot handle jet aircraft, routes that are traditionally served by other airlines.[83]

Garuda plans to retire the oldest Boeing 737-800 aircraft (PK-GEx registration) it received at the beginning of its Quantum Leap plan by the end of the year. The airline is planning on refitting its original six A330 (PK-GPA-F) which it took delivery of in the 1990s, in an all economy configuration to be used on routes from Surabaya, Medan, Makassar and Balikpapan to Jeddah. Retrofitting has commenced and is to be completed by August 2015. The airline has plans to take delivery of more new aircraft in the future, with an order for 50 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft (46 new, 4 conversions from existing -800 order)[84] announced on 12 October 2014, and signing a Letter of Intent (LoI) to purchase 90 new aircraft from Boeing and Airbus (30 737 MAX 8, 30 A350 XWB, 30 787-9 Dreamliner) worth $20 billion at list prices.[85]

As of July 2015, the Garuda Indonesia fleet consists the following aircraft, with an average age of 5.4 years:[86][87][88][89]

11 aircraft (PK-GEx series aircraft) do not have in-seat AVOD and use overhead TVs. These are planned to be returned after the lease period ended.
PK-GMH in SkyTeam livery.
2 aircraft are painted in the retro livery.

Garuda Indonesia is a full-service airline featuring economy, business (branded as 'executive') and first classes. The airline began to introduce new premium products and services with the arrival of the Airbus A330-200 and Boeing 737-800 aircraft. First class cabins were introduced in 2013 on board the Boeing 777-300ER with Wi-Fi and telecommunication services on board.[96]

First class is available on all Boeing 777-300ERs, featuring 8 suites arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration. The first class suites are fitted with 24" AVOD screen and seats that converts into a bed. A new chef-on-board service will enhance the dining experience. First Class passengers can use in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity at no cost. It has a seat pitch of 82 inches and a seat width of 22 inches.[97][98][99]

The new Executive Class cabin on-board Garuda's Boeing 777-300ERs are fitted with EADS Sogerma flat-bed seats arranged in a staggered 1-2-1 configuration; allowing for direct aisle access to all Executive Class passengers. These seats features with 73" of seat pitch, 15" AVOD screen, USB ports, in-seat laptop power supply, and personal reading light. Turndown service are also offered.

On-board Airbus A330s, the Executive Class cabin are equipped with flat-bed seats on all -200s and newer -300s, and lie-flat seats on older -300s. These seats feature a 6-degree incline, 60" seat pitch and a recline of up to 180 degrees, while the flat bed seats feature fully flat beds with up to 74" seat pitch. Seats are equipped with personal AVOD In-Flight Entertainment System (IFE), USB ports, in-seat laptop power supply, and personal reading light. Executive Class seats on board Garuda's Airbus A330 series aircraft are configured in a 2-2-2 configuration.

A range of hot and cold beverages are available, along with snacks and/or meals, depending on the length of the flight. Wine and beers are also offered on international flights. In July 2011, Garuda Indonesia launched the Indonesian Rijsttafel service in Executive Class as part of its signature in-flight services.[101] This signature dining service introduces the passengers to a wide array of Indonesian cuisine in a single setting, as part of the Garuda Indonesia experience. This in-flight Indonesian Rijsttafel includes varieties of Indonesian signature dishes; choices of nasi kuning or regular steamed rice, accompanied with choices of dishes such as satay, rendang, gado-gado grilled chicken rica, red snapper in yellow acar sauce, fried shrimp in sambal, potato perkedel and tempeh, along with kerupuk or rempeyek crackers.[102]

Garuda's Boeing 777-300ER, Airbus A330s, and newer Boeing 737-800 aircraft are equipped with Audio video on demand In-Flight Entertainment System in all classes. The Economy Class on these aircraft features a 9-inch LCD touch-screen, while the Executive Class features a 9-inch, 11-inch and 15-inch touch-screen LCD in Garuda's Boeing 737-800, older Airbus A330-200, and all remaining Airbus A330 series aircraft respectively. In Executive Class on board the Airbus A330-300 and newer A330-200 aircraft, the screens are located on the seat backs or in the armrest of bulkhead rows, while in the older Airbus A330-200 aircraft and Boeing 737-800s, the screens are stowed in the armrest. In Economy Class, they are on the seat back.[103]

Garuda's Boeing 747-400 aircraft are equipped with cabin screens that shows Airshow (a moving map system to allow passengers to track the progress of their flight), as well as featured films and short movies. Audio programmings are also available. Passengers in Executive Class can order portable media players (AVOD system) from flight attendants.

Newspapers and magazines are provided to all passengers on board all flights.[104] 6 international television channels are available on board the Boeing 777-300ER.[105]

Immigration on Board (IoB) is a special service created by Garuda Indonesia to provide more convenience for their passengers traveling to Indonesia. With this service, in cooperation with the Directorate General of Immigration, along with Indonesian Ministry of Law and Human Rights, Garuda Indonesia passengers on certain long haul flights can complete their immigration process on-board before landing and disembarking.

A Jakarta-based 24-hour call center is available for local customer access where payment can be made by credit cards, internet/mobile banking or transfer via ATM. Recently online booking from their website is also possible with payment can be made online with credit cards from select countries.

In April 2011, Garuda Indonesia announced plans to develop online sales. Garuda Indonesia had cooperated with Visa and Mastercard to develop an online credit card payment system, allowing customers to use Paypal. Debit card payments may be processed with Bank Mandiri, BCA or BII.[106][107]

Garuda Frequent Flyer was launched in September 1999.[108] In 2005, Garuda Indonesia relaunched its frequent-flyer program called Garuda Frequent Flyer (GFF) with a new look, benefits and services. The new program allows members to earn miles on domestic and international flights and has four tiers of membership covering GFF Junior, Blue, Silver, Gold, and Platinum status levels. Since June 2011 Garuda Indonesia launched a joint frequent flyer program with Korean Air. Members of the Garuda Frequent Flyer (GFF) program and Korean Air’s SkyPass program will benefit from the cooperation by accruing mileage for flying both Korean Air and Garuda or any Garuda–Korean Air code share flights.[109]

From 27 March 2014, due to joining SkyTeam, Garuda Indonesia announced that Garuda Frequent Flyer renamed as GarudaMiles.[110][111] Currently, GFF Gold and Platinum members whose membership expires in February, are being sent their new card under GarudaMiles, with other GFF members following soon.[112] Before joining SkyTeam, GFF members could earn/redeem their miles with (besides Garuda & Citilink) Korean Air, Eithad Airways, Air France-KLM (Flying Blue), and Jet Airways[113][114]

The Garuda Executive Lounge is open to passengers travelling in Executive Class, as well as those holding a Gold or Platinum Garuda Frequent Flyer card. Starting in 2011, passengers with an Executive Card Plus card or Garuda Indonesia Citibank credit card can no longer gain access to the lounge. Lounges are located at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and throughout Indonesia, offering food and drinks, wireless internet, showers, meeting rooms and business services.[115]

Garuda Indonesia was the official sponsor of the 2011 SEA Games. Garuda Indonesia also support the "Wonderful Indonesia" tourism campaign by placing the "Wonderful Indonesia" logo in their promotion materials as well as on the hull of their fleet.[116]

In July 2012, Garuda Indonesia signed a 3-year sponsorship deal with Premier League club Liverpool FC. The agreement gives Garuda Indonesia the right to be the Official Partner of Liverpool Football Club and the Official Global Airline Partner of Liverpool Football Club. In addition, a six-minute advertisement video of Garuda Indonesia will be broadcast during matches held at the Liverpool FC home ground, Anfield, for the 2012-2014 season.[117][118]

In 2010, the Center for Asia-Pacific Aviation (CAPA) named Garuda Indonesia as Asia's leading service quality airline. Skytrax awarded the airline the World's Most Improved in 2012. This is the beginning of a string of accolades recognizing the success of the airline Quantum Leap program. Roy Morgan survey named Garuda Indonesia the Best International Airline surpassing several distinguished airlines, such as: Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Air New Zealand with 91% of respondents gave a 'very satisfied' rating.[119] The airline achieved Platinum level recognition from the League of American Communications Professionals (LACP) on its annual report.[120] In July 2012, Garuda Indonesia was recognized as the World’s Best Regional Airline by the global airline review and ranking consultancy, Skytrax.[121]

In 2013, Skytrax awarded Garuda Indonesia the world's best economy class for its service and product at the Paris Airshow 2013. For the first time, Garuda Indonesia ranked 8th in the Skytrax "The World’s Top 10 Airlines". During the "Passenger Choice Award 2013" held in September 2013 in Anaheim, California, organized by "Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX)", Garuda Indonesia was distinguished as the "Best in Region: Asia and Australasia".[122]

In July 2014, Skytrax awarded Garuda Indonesia "The World’s Best Cabin Staff" recognition. The award was based on a global customer satisfaction survey conducted on 18 million passengers between the period of August 2013 and May 2014. The recently launched First Class, on Boeing 777-300ER, was ranked the 9th world's best first class, the 6th world's best first class seat, and the 3rd world's best first class amenity kits by Skytrax in 2014. Overall, Garuda Indonesia was ranked 7th on the 2014 Skytrax "Best Airlines Awards", an improvement from the 8th position in 2013.[123]

In September 2014, APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Association) awarded Garuda Indonesia as "Best Airline in Asia & Australasia" at the 2014 Passenger Choice Award; along with Cathay Pacific, EVA Air, Korean Air, and Singapore Airlines.[124] In the same month, Garuda Indonesia also got Gold Award from the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), for their immigration on board (IOB) service and their service quality and it is called as "Garuda Indonesia Experience".[125]

On 7 September 1974, a Fokker F-27 crashed on approach to Tanjung Karang-Branti Airport. The aircraft crashed short of the runway while on approach in limited visibility . The aircraft eventually struck buildings near the runway and caught fire. 33 out of 36 people on board perished.

On 24 September 1975, Garuda Indonesia Flight 150 crashed on approach to Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport. The accident, which was attributed to poor weather and fog, killed 25 out of 61 passengers and one person on the ground.

On 13 June 1996, Garuda Indonesia Flight 865 overran the runway at Fukuoka Airport, Japan after aborting takeoff well above rotation speed. The number-3 engine fuel line was severed, resulting in a massive fire and the total destruction of the rear end of the aircraft. Three of the 275 people on board were killed.[135]

On 7 September 2004, human rights activist Munir Said Thalib was murdered on Garuda Indonesia Flight 974.[5] Garuda's CEO at the time, Indra Setiawan, his deputy Rohainil Aini, and pilot Pollycarpus Priyanto were all convicted of his murder.[16][17] Garuda was found negligent in refusing to perform an emergency landing and was ordered to pay compensation to Munir's widow.[18]The airline then failed to pay the compensation.[138]